Renewable Natural Gas: Basics and Benefits

Renewable natural gas: basics and benefits

CenterPoint Energy is committed to innovative technology that meets energy demands. Two examples of this innovation are renewable natural gas (RNG) from organic sources and from power-to-gas.

What is RNG? RNG is a low- or no-carbon renewable gas derived from renewable organic resources (such as animal manure, wastewater and landfills) or from renewable electricity (such as wind or solar). The status of RNG can be compared to renewable electricity technologies in the early 2000s. There is considerable potential, but supportive public policies and incentives are needed to take advantage of this potential.

Benefits of RNG • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions • Diversifies energy sources • Supports rural economic development • Improves waste management

Where organic RNG technology is today

Livestock waste Biogas RNG

Wastewater

Anaerobic Natural gas digester grid Food waste

• RNG derived from organic waste is already commercially available but is currently more expensive than conventional natural gas. As the industry grows, prices may decline. • The organic RNG industry is growing rapidly. Between 2015 and 2019, the number of operating RNG facilities in North America has more than doubled. • CenterPoint Energy is developing a proposal to enable producers of RNG to connect with its Minnesota distribution system. Generates Powers Creates renewable Added to pipeline system renewable electricity electrolysis hydrogen gas for natural gas customer use

H2 H2 O2 H2 H2

Where power-to-gas is today What states are doing

• Promising technologies such as power-to-gas Location Action that create zero-carbon hydrogen gas from renewable electricity are not yet commercially Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Are already producing Indiana, Ohio, Nebraska, available in the United States. However, renewable gas they have been proven at pilot scale and are Missouri and other states becoming more common in Europe. • Renewable hydrogen can serve as fuel and be Oregon, Washington and Have already adopted Nevada legislation supporting RNG injected safely into the existing gas system up to certain limits. Have voluntary RNG • Renewable hydrogen can also be combined Maine and Vermont purchase programs for with waste carbon to produce net-zero-carbon utility customers methane, the primary component of natural gas.